There are lots of different forms of Vitamin A. Which one should you use?

Before retinol was available in drug stores, you could only buy prescription strength Retin-A. It was powerful, but harsh. Now the vitamin A products are not nearly so harsh. Many come mixed with antioxidants, sunscreen or moisturizers so that even people with sensitive skin can use them.

Note: People who are pregnant or nursing should not use retinoids. And if you have a skin condition like eczema or rosacea, be sure to talk to a dermatologist before using them.

Prescription retinoids work the fastest.

You should start to see results in 4 - 8 weeks. There are 2 forms of prescription Vitamin A / retinoids: tretinoin and tazarotene.

2. Tazarotene (also known by the brand names Avage, Tazorac) Many dermatologists think that tazarotene is stronger (and possibly more irritating) than tretinoin.

Many prescription retinoids are irritating. They can cause redness, scaling, and flaking that may last for weeks. (BUT there are ways to minimize these side effects. Keep reading to learn how.)

Non-prescription products are best for beginners.

Adapalene (brand name, Differin) is a kind of retinoic acid that used to be available by prescription only. Now it's available over the counter at drug stores for about $14. It's thought to be the gentlest of the "prescription" retinoids. Adapalene is stronger than retinol. You should start to see results in 4 - 8 weeks.

Retinol is more gentle than Adapalene and the prescription retinoids. It has fewer side effects because the vitamin A in it is slowly converted to retinoic acid, the active ingredient in prescription creams. Retinols do get the same effect, but it takes longer to see results - usually about 12 weeks. If you have sensitive skin, you might try AlphaRet by SkinBetter Science. It's a new formulation specifically made to minimize the side effects of retinoids. Read more about it in our post, AlphaRet: A New Retinol for Melasma, Aging Skin, Sun Damage, & Acne.

Pro-retinols (retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate and retinyl linoleate) are Vitamin A derivatives that are best for people with very sensitive skin. These are the most gentle of the retinoids, but they are weaker than retinol. Pro-retinols have far fewer side effects than prescription retinoids because the vitamin A in them is slowly converted to retinoic acid.

How do you use retinoids?

Ideally, you should start using a retinoid (and antioxidants) in your mid 20s.

A pea sized amount should be enough to cover your face - and the skin around your eyes.

Apply to a clean, dry face at night because sunlight inactivates most forms of vitamin A.

SkinCeuticals lists the exact amount of retinol in the products. Their Retinol 0.5 is 0.5% retinol - and according to my SkinCeuticals rep - comparable to 0.05% prescription Vitamin A (retinoic acid / Retin A). The SkinCeuticals 1.0 Retinol is 1% retinol. It is similar to 0.1% retinoic acid, but without the harsh side effects. Remember, the higher the dose of vitamin A, the better and quicker the result will be.

If you have sensitive skin, there's a new form of retinol available from SkinBetter Science that's much less irritating. It combines retinol and lactic acid in one molecule. Together, the 2 work synergistically to repair damaged skin. Read more about it in our post, AlphaRet: A New Retinol for Melasma, Aging Skin, Sun Damage, & Acne.

A randomized, double-blind, 12-week study study published in the 2019 British Journal of Dermatology (Dhaliwal S. et al) followed 44 patients. The study compared morning and evening application of 0.5% bakuchiol cream to nightly application of 0.5% retinol cream. High-resolution photographs of the patients were taken at the start of the study, then at week 4, week 8, and week 12. Patients also answered questions about the side effects of both creams. A board-certified dermatologist graded the patients photographs on pigmentation and redness.

What were the results of the bakuchiol study? Both bakuchiol and retinol both significantly decreased wrinkles and dark spots (hyperpigmentation), with no statistical difference between the compounds. The retinol users reported more facial skin scaling and stinging.

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We have all the information you need to restore your skin.

If you have any skincare questions, email amy@masterpieceskinrestoration.com. I'd be glad to help! Thanks for reading!

Disclaimer:

The Information provided on our website is not medical advice and should not be viewed as such. By law, only a medical doctor can diagnose or give medical advice. As a registered nurse, my goal is to educate, so I provide information on skin care, skin care products, and skin care treatments. If you have any condition that concerns you, please see a medical doctor. While most skin conditions are benign, some - like melanoma - can be deadly. If there is any doubt, please, please consult your physician. Thank you!

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